Love, The Stilettoarmy.

With the the summer temperature on the rise the shorts and heels debate, to wear or not to wear seems to be quite an (ahem), hot topic among aspiring fashionistas and wanna be fashionistas everywhere.

I did wear this look today, and loved how I felt and looked in it. Mind you - I do my know way around a gym, as well as nicely tailored clothing and what cuts and styles suit me and flatter my legs.

I find that a lot of women everywhere, my city as well as Ye Ole Internet, find this look a “no no” or “trashy” but do not bat an perfectly mascaraed eye at the true Merveilleuses’ nightmare ‘wouldntwearonthehottestdayinhell’ shoe, the (cue scary knife in shower music) THE Platform FLIPFLOP (scary movie scream).                                            

Admittedly, this look is not for everyone and it does require a few days a week at the gym or yoga or pilates or whatever form of cardio fitness gets your blood boiling (not ONLY does this make ya look sexy and stronger and younger but it makes your lovely pink heart more healthy) but c’mon ladies, when this looks right, and the wearer is self assured, healthy and, rocks it like she owns it, it is a definitive hands down winner.

There is an obvious reason that the likes of  Jane Birkin, hell Hermes named a G.D HANDBAG for her , Taxi Cab Jodi Foster’s “Iris”, Brigitte Bardot, Michelle Mercier, and Kate Moss, (love or hate her you can’t argue with style)are refered to “Fashion Icons” or “It Girls”. They owned these looks. It is a timeless classic from pin ups to fashion icons to even some of our fashion forward moms once upon a time recycled for we lovelies.

I find this look works best on, well - anyone who loves herself and her curves or lack- there -of , appreciates a playful sense of style and adores a pair of sky high wedges or platforms.

I find this look not does not work with shorts that are too too tight, or too too short and cheap heels unless of course that Pam Anderson thing works for you in which case, rrrrrock it!

So ladies, call ‘em shorts, cargos, daisy dukes or hot pants - pull them out, and put ‘em on! Its gettin’ HOT out here and you either got “it” or ya don’t….

You. Will. Look. Fabulous!.

Love, The Stilettoarmy.

Anyone who knows me knows for certain, I love a hat. One of my favorite milliners is a vintage modiste by the name of Mr. John of which I have been collecting since I was just a wee Fashionista combing through vintage “by the pound” bins in Boston. Also one of my very favorite standbys next to the Bowler/Derby is the good old  Top Hat

My current obsession has come about since seeing the film ” Bright Star ” by Jane Campion. This film is filled to the absolute brim ( ahem ) with gorgeous costuming and eye popping cinematography you really must see it for yourself… Now on to the obsession at hand - The straw Top Hat….

I am not so much a huge fan of the “mini topper” head band styles. I am not a trendy girl really however. I do like a Standard High Topper as well as more casual Low Topper.

This straw style of can be more casual than a mole skin or felt and It’s absolutely perfect for spring and summer months, and the ‘Back to Pretty’ summer dresses and fresh make up showing this season AND it does beat a snoooooring pop icon Fedora or a played out 70’s sun hat.

Always remember  - whatever hat you DO choose to protect you’re pretty little face from the damage of  mean ol’ Mr Sunshine… Daaaahling, You. Look. Fabulous

xo

I have been asked about dozens times ” What IS that amazing scent you’re wearing ?” and while I usually don’t give it away strangers, and mainly because I think a woman should find her very own special scent, I will however list a few that I think are absolutely to-die-for :

• Annick Goutal
• Kilian Hennessy ( yes of the Hennessy congnac)
• L’Artisan
• Tom Ford Private Blend

My best advice to you darling is go out, on a rainy day which - there seems to be no short supply of these days, to your favorite downtown department store, Macy’s, Bloomies, Saks 5th Ave, Neiman Marcus or where ever your pretty little nose takes you, and sidle on up to the counter and go crazy.  Don’t let those perfume slingers scare you either. Ask them for the “coffee beans” and they’ll think you’re an old pro. They are always provided and will help you to clear your nasal passages and get down to business.

“A women who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”

- Coco Chanel

The BellJar. San Francisco.